JPMorgan Employee Sues, Citing Homophobic Treatment and Forced Resignation

A former openly gay JPMorgan Chase employee alleges he was subjected to homophobic treatment and ultimately forced to resign after complaining about workplace discrimination. Brian Larson, who worked as a senior associate and co-chair of the bank's Pride Tri-State LGBTQ+ employee group, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan.

Larson claims that a supervisor told him to keep his "gay job" separate from his regular work and warned that "DEI wasn't going to save" him. He also alleges the supervisor stated, "Just because [Mr. Larson is] gay doesn't mean [he] get[s] a leg up."

According to the complaint, Larson's experience deteriorated despite receiving positive initial reviews. He claims his supervisor later removed him from projects and gave him a "on track" rating, described as a poor review within the Chase Associate Program. This alleged treatment reportedly led to panic attacks, depression, insomnia, weight gain, and chronic migraines. Larson also claims a childhood condition of trichotillomania, characterized by compulsive hair pulling, resurfaced, causing bald patches.

The dispute escalated in October 2023 when Larson was called to a meeting with human resources over approximately $40 in expenses for Uber rides to Pride Month events. Although his manager had approved the events and expensing, HR allegedly questioned his trustworthiness. Four days later, Larson claims HR presented him with an ultimatum: resign or be fired, which would negatively impact his chances of future reemployment at JPMorgan.

Larson alleges HR then directed him to submit his resignation online while they observed. He stated that when he asked for a reason, he was told his time in the Chase Associate Program had expired. He ultimately resigned, maintaining that his departure was the result of discrimination and retaliation.

JPMorgan has strongly denied Larson's allegations. A spokesperson stated that a thorough internal investigation found no evidence to substantiate the claims of discrimination and retaliation. A source at the bank indicated that Larson's managers had identified performance issues and provided coaching. This source also stated that participation in the Chase Associate Program did not guarantee a permanent position, and Larson resigned after failing to secure one.

Larson's lawsuit contends that a damaged performance record hindered his ability to secure other positions within JPMorgan, despite reportedly enthusiastic interviews. He claims he encountered an "invisible wall" during application processes, suggesting his negative review and discrimination complaints were obstacles.

The complaint also references an alleged conversation involving JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, where an executive reportedly told Larson that Dimon asked for an explanation of the Kinsey scale and remarked that Larson "could be 17 percent gay." Larson described this alleged remark as "odd and offensive."

After leaving JPMorgan in 2023, Larson accepted a senior manager role at a financial-services management consultancy in March 2024. He later left that position in July 2025 and is now receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Larson's attorneys argue that JPMorgan violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which the Supreme Court has ruled protects gay and transgender employees from discrimination based on sex.

Larson is seeking back pay, future lost wages, benefits, healthcare coverage, and damages for emotional distress and other harms. He stated his motivation for filing the case is to ensure workers do not fear professional repercussions for being open about their sexuality or reporting discrimination.